May 16, 2024, is National BBQ Day!

BBQs have been around for a pretty long time! In the 1800s, folks usually had them to celebrate July 4th, weddings, reunions, or sometimes at political rallies. Mostly they chose pork as their meat because it was the most plentiful and the least inexpensive. Side dishes would have likely included potatoes, beans, and cornbread, and there probably would have been a fruit pie or cobbler for dessert.

What's your favorite BBQ side dish? These are just some of mine!

• potato salad

• baked beans

• macaroni salad

• fruit salad

• pasta salad

• corn on the cob

• coleslaw

• mac-n-cheese

• deviled eggs

• watermelon

Host a BBQ Party! Invite your friends and family for a fantastic barbecue feast. Make sure to provide a range of BBQ choices, including ribs, pulled pork, and grilled veggies. Make some lemonade and get out the yard games like corn hole! Go old school and get everyone together for a game of tug-of-war or kick the can. Why not try some new recipes? Try different dishes to expand your BBQ styles. To generate distinct tastes, use different marinades, rubs, and smoking techniques. You can even try out one of the recipes below.

Traditional BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• In a medium saucepan, mix all of the ingredients.
  

• Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring periodically.
  

• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors combine.
  

• Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool.
  

• Refrigerate the barbecue sauce in an airtight jar. It will stay good for up to two weeks.
  

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Ingredients

• 20 oz can of crushed pineapple
  

• 21 oz can of cherry pie filling

• 12 tablespoons of butter

• 1 box of yellow cake mix

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Spray 9x11 baking dish with cooking spray.

• Cover the bottom of the dish with pineapple.

• Layer the cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple.

• Pour the cake mix evenly on top of the cherry pie mix and press it down gently.

• Cut the butter into approximately 24 slices and cover the top of the cake mix evenly with them.

• Cook for 45-60 minutes until it is a deep golden brown and bubbly. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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